We all know the Philly area is a special place. It has a way of molding you. People from here can survive and thrive where others might not because we come from a place where you experience real life.
In the middle of the Sixers gasping for air as Boston smothers their postseason chances, a real, true Philadelphia story is unfolding on the opposing bench. Roman Catholic grad Brad Wanamaker is playing backup point guard minutes for the Celtics as the embodiment of that Philly grit, simply by playing on an NBA court.
The North Philly native was a 29-year-old rookie with Boston last season after playing for seven seasons in Europe. The odds were long, but a role has developed for Wanamaker as he now helps contribute to the part of the villain in the latest chapter of not only one of Philadelphia’s most storied rivalries, but the NBA’s, as well.
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He’s even shooting off gems like this on social media at the expense of his hometown team.
Just like a helpless Al Horford in that video, Wanamaker had a front-row seat for Kemba Walker’s patented stepback in 2011 when he was playing for Pitt. Wanamaker’s Panthers were just one of the teams Walker and the UConn Huskies left in their wake as they blazed through the Big East and NCAA tournament en route to a national title.
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